At $4,751/yr net price, College of the Albemarle graduates earn $33,234/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,751 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,234/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-766/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,667/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,702/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,876/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,548/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $16,820 |
The Risk Factor
39.0% of students at College of the Albemarle graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
College of the Albemarle offers a stark divide between career prospects, with nursing graduates earning nearly three times the school's overall median. The nursing program delivers strong returns at $52,107 annually against your $4,751 yearly investment, making it one of the better financial bets among two-year programs in North Carolina.
Liberal arts and culinary arts graduates face much bleaker outcomes. Liberal arts majors earn just $18,315 annually, while culinary graduates make $16,820, both well below living wages for the region. These programs essentially trap you in poverty-level earnings despite your time and money investment.
The 39% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. You face better than even odds of leaving without a credential, making your investment worthless. This risk compounds for students pursuing the lower-paying programs, where even successful completion yields minimal financial benefit.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 20% of students, limiting your options if you need assistance. The low aid percentage suggests either restrictive eligibility criteria or limited institutional resources to help struggling students.
You should consider College of the Albemarle only if you can secure admission to the nursing program and feel confident about completing it. The nursing pathway justifies the investment and completion risk. For any other program, your money and time will likely produce better returns elsewhere, either at four-year schools or other community colleges with stronger job placement records in your field of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Albemarle worth the cost compared to other schools?
College of the Albemarle has a very low net price at $4,751 per year, but graduates earn only $33,234 annually after 10 years. The 39% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at College of the Albemarle?
Nursing programs at College of the Albemarle lead to median earnings of $52,107, making them the clear financial winners. Liberal arts graduates earn $18,315 and culinary arts graduates earn $16,820, both well below national averages.
How much debt do College of the Albemarle students typically graduate with?
The low net price of $4,751 per year means students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs. However, with only 39% of students graduating, many leave with some debt but no degree.
Does College of the Albemarle provide good financial aid?
College of the Albemarle's net price of $4,751 suggests decent financial aid coverage for a community college. The main risk is the low graduation rate, not the cost of attendance.